"Blest be the tie that binds
Our hearts in Christian love;
The fellowship of kindred minds
Is like to that above."
It has been so long since I have heard or thought of this wonderful old hymn. It is one that we sang every Sunday night when I was a teenager after the benediction was given. But as soon as I typed that, I started questioning my memory (and my memory needs questioning quite often it seems these days) but I'm going with that this morning as it is a precious memory. Since I'm testing my memory, we began every Sunday morning service with "Praise God From Who All Blessings Flow". (I trust some of my old teenage church friends will correct me if my memory is failing.)
I have mentioned on many occasions how a hymn has stood the test of time and this one certainly qualifies. As I understand the story, the words were written in 1772 as part of Rev. John Fawcett's final sermon to a church he had pastored before moving to a new church. It is said it was to commemorate his desire to stay attached to the church he was leaving. I wonder if he had any idea the impact these words would have over the years, the number of hymnals it would be published in and the number of times the words would be repeated in song?
The first verse, I remember, reflects how the Church is bound together by love. I'm so glad to wake up to this hymn this morning, because it so well describes the connection I feel with my church and church family the past few weeks as we have not been able to assemble together. But while I can not recite the final verses as I don't ever recall even trying to sing them, I want to share.
"Before our Father’s throne, We pour our ardent prayers; Our fears, our hopes, our aims are one, Our comforts, and our cares.
We share our mutual woes, Our mutual burdens bear; And often for each other flows The sympathizing tear.
When we asunder part, It gives us inward pain; But we shall still be joined in heart, And hope to meet again.
This glorious hope revives
Our courage on the way
While in each expectation lives
And longs to see that day.
From sorrow, toil, and pain,
And sin we shall be free;
And perfect love and friendship reign
Through all eternity."
Tears come to my eyes this morning as I hear these words in song. Written almost 250 years ago, these words so eloquently describe the suffering and rejoicing we are experiencing today and in the final verses the promise that our separation will not be forever.
I said my memory was failing. Even as I write this, I also recall singing many times at the conclusion of a service, "Till we meet again, till we meet again, God be with us, till we meet again." So we may not have sang "Blest Be The Tie That Binds" at every evening service, but I sure enjoyed the memory this morning! I hope you will enjoy hearing the song and message this morning also!
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